Kim Jong Un - North Korea Learder

December 19, 2011
North Korean Heir Apparent an Enigma
VOA



Kim Jong Il's heir apparent - his third son Kim Jong Un - has risen to power swiftly in North Korea since being made a four-star general one year ago. But he is even more of an enigma than his late father.

Kim Jong Un is believed to be around 28-years-old. His birth date, mother and marital status are not known. He is believed to speak several languages - including English and German - and is said to have been educated in Switzerland, and at the Kim Il Sung University in North Korea.

Kim Jong Un is believed to be skillful in using computers and other forms of technology. He also is described by a longtime family chef, in a memoir, as competitive and ruthless.

The elder Kim presented Jong Un as his successor a year ago, appointing him to top government posts. Over the past year, Kim Jong Un regularly accompanied his father on trips around the country. And he steadily built his political clout by reportedly becoming involved in domestic and foreign policy, and securing a position in the ruling Workers' Party.

Kim Jong Un was presented to the world last year at a massive military parade marking the 65th anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party, saluting troops by his father's side in an appearance captured live by international media.